My Favourite Grade 3's

On my second to last day of practicum with the Grade 3's, I was feeling very sad at the thought of leaving the classroom that I grew to be so comfortable in. I had built up such a great routine, gotten to know and love the students; it felt like a second home.

After lunch, I was told that I was not allowed to enter the classroom. As I waited, I wonder what the Grade 3's were up to. Finally, one student rushed down the hallway, tapped me on the shoulder and said "WE'RE READY".

As I walked past the decorated front door into an "empty" classroom, I was greeted by 19 voiced yelling 'SURPRISE'; it was my surprise goodbye party. The classroom was decorated with handmade decorations, and I was welcomed in with a heart-crown and plenty of handmade gifts. One student in particular handmade a pouch with the letter 'K' on it, and inside was a book of all her favourite lessons that I had taught (I genuinely had to fight back tears on that one).

After we spoke and I shared my feelings of gratitude, I was given the special gift of that day. Inside a 'Worth It' box made by my AT, was a book. Inside the book were letters from each student in the class; they told me their favourite lesson, how they felt about me as a teacher, and their final goodbye's. This was so special for many reasons:- It was written by them, in their own little voices- It showed me that they really learned a lot from my unit on letter writing- It was beyond thoughtful

I had a really, amazing, wonderful practicum experience. I think about those students a lot, too. That last surprise party was my final reassurance that I am exactly where I'm meant to be.